The Marine Exchage of Alaska has moved into their new building in front of Harris Harbor on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The Marine Exchage of Alaska has moved into their new building in front of Harris Harbor on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska Marine Exchange loses part of budget in capital cuts

It lost 11% of its state funding.

Alaska’s primary provider of real-time marine vessel tracking has lost a portion of its funding to cuts by the governor to the state’s 2020 capital budget, a report said.

The Marine Exchange of Alaska lost 11% of its state funding, CoastAlaska reported Wednesday.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed line items equaling $444 million in reductions to Alaska’s operating budget in June, including $34.7 million in cuts from the capital budget.

The Legislature restored $400,000 in cruise ship passenger revenue to support the network of ship-tracking stations. Dunleavy retained the cut through a second veto.

The maritime industry pays a fee to the Marine Exchange to track vessels in real-time including cruise liners, cargo ships, oil tankers and fishing boats.

The Marine Exchange funding was to be drawn from the $34.50 head tax paid by every cruise ship passenger visiting Alaska. The governor has suggested the tax revenue should be redirected to port projects across coastal communities.

The Marine Exchange has received about $2.8 million in head taxes since 2013 and the governor believes it should look elsewhere, said Dunleavy spokesman Matt Shuckerow.

“While they have done good work, they seem to be an organization that has unspent funds that can begin looking at new ways to operate,” Shuckerow said.

The head tax money is restricted and must be appropriated by the Legislature, said Marine Exchange Executive Director Ed Page.

“It’s not a fund that could be used for other public services or for schools or for housing or drug programs or what-have-you, it’s restricted to maritime application,” Page said.


This is an Associated Press report.


More in News

The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday, April 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for the week of June 8

This information comes from the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska’s 2025 schedule.… Continue reading

Christina Love leads the audience in raising their fist, symbolizing telling the truth despite fear on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
Juneau joins nation in ‘No Kings’ protest

More than 1,000 protestors join millions nationwide opposing Trump as he presides over military parade.

A row of tents on Teal Street across the street from the Glory Hall on the morning of Saturday, May 14, 2025. Occupants of the tents received a 48-hour vacate notice from the Juneau Police Department on Friday morning. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Large homeless encampment on Teal Street gets JPD vacate notice; where will occupants go next?

People who keep moving from place to place under “dispersed camping” policy unsure where they’ll go.

Volunteers look for trash on the Jordan Avenue sidewalk at JAMHI’s Community Litter Pickup event on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
JAMHI hosts community cleanup to kick off 40th anniversary celebration

Local addiction and mental health treatment organization plans summer of events and give-back days.

Then-Rep. Grier Hopkins, D-Fairbanks, speaks on the floor of the Alaska House, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Hopkins is now the mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Officials warn of possible lawsuit in wake of Alaska governor’s education funding veto

Among issues are if veto violates Alaska’s constitutional guarantee of adequately funded public schools.

Youths compete in a choker setter race during last year’s Juneau Gold Rush Days at Savikko Park on Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A not-entirely-precise schedule of this year’s Juneau Gold Rush Days

Timing of events for 33rd annual weekend “depends on the number of contestants and speed of competitors”

The Black Bear chairlift at Eaglecrest Ski Area will not reopen because repairs are no longer practical, officials said Thursday. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
Eaglecrest leaders decide Black Bear chairlift is beyond repair, seek alternatives to get skiers at their peak

Possibilities include converting Ptarmigan lift to triple-chair in addition to long-awaited gondola.

Homes in downtown and west Juneau on Friday, May 13, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Short-term rental task force recommends rule adjustments, but no cap on units for property owners

Group suggests allowing multiple STRs for a single dwelling, “grandfathering” period for new rules.

Most Read